E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 36. Men and Machine concluded

Summary

In chapter 36 of 'A Little History of the World' by Gombrich, we delve into the rise of Karl Marx and his Communist Manifesto, published in 1848. Despite Marx's expectations, the real struggle was between the nobility and the emerging bourgeoisie. The wealthy industrialists sought freedom from the nobility and state, advocating for a world where capable individuals could operate without constraints. This led to revolutions in France and Paris in 1830 and 1848, respectively, challenging the old order. The chapter concludes with the fall of the old regime, the rise of factories, and the advent of railways, marking a significant shift in society.

Takeaways

• 📚 The discussion revolves around Chapter 36 of 'A Little History of the World' by E.H. Gombrich.
• 🏭 Karl Marx's ideas about the proletariat and his publication of the Communist Manifesto in 1848 are highlighted.
• 🔄 The actual situation after the publication of the Communist Manifesto was different from what Marx had anticipated.
• 👑 The power dynamics of the time were dominated by noblemen rather than factory owners.
• 🌐 The noblemen sought a regulated state where everyone had a fixed place, similar to the past.
• 👨‍🌾 In countries like Austria, peasants were still bound to the land and the nobility, akin to serfs of the Middle Ages.
• 🏛️ Artisans and new factories were still under strict regulations from the Guilds and the state.
• 💼 Wealthy citizens, who benefited from the Industrial Revolution, wanted freedom from nobility and state control.
• 🗽 In 1830, the French citizens overthrew Louis the 18th, and in 1848, a revolution in Paris spread to other countries, aiming to seize state power.
• 👔 Fashion trends of the time included black trousers and stiff white collars, reflecting societal changes.
• 🚂 Factories proliferated, and railways facilitated the transportation of goods across countries, symbolizing the rapid industrialization.

Q & A

Who is the author of 'A Little History of the World'?

The author of 'A Little History of the World' is E.H. Gombrich.

What significant work did Karl Marx publish in 1848?

Karl Marx published 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848.

What was the situation like when Marx published 'The Communist Manifesto'?

When Marx published 'The Communist Manifesto', the situation was very different from what he had expected, with few factory owners having real power and the nobility still holding significant authority.

What did the noblemen of Austria want in terms of state governance?

The noblemen of Austria wanted a secure, orderly, and regulated state where each person had their appointed place, similar to the past.

How were the peasants in Austria affected by the regulations of the time?

Peasants in Austria were still tied to inherited estates and were hardly less bound to the landowners than the serfs of the Middle Ages.

What was the attitude of the wealthy citizens towards the nobility and the state?

Wealthy citizens were no longer willing to take orders from the nobility or the state; they wanted to act as they saw fit and believed that this would be best for everyone.

What event in 1830 led to the citizens of France rising up?

In 1830, the citizens of France rose up and threw out Louis the 18th's successors.

What happened in Paris in 1848 that influenced other countries?

In 1848, there was a new revolution in Paris which spread to many other countries where citizens tried to obtain all the power of the state.

What changes occurred in Vienna as a result of the revolution?

In Vienna, better Nick was dismissed, Emperor Ferdinand was forced to abdicate, and the old regime was definitely over.

How did the fashion and industrial landscape change after the revolution?

After the revolution, men wore black trousers like drain pipes and stiff white collars with complicated neckties. Factories were allowed to spring up everywhere, and railways transported goods in ever-increasing quantities from one country to another.